
(Guests enjoy live jazz, food and lively conversation under the sparkling chandeliers of Majestic Downtown during the 2024 ESCA Winter Celebration and Awards. Photo by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News.)
ESCA Winter Celebration celebrates excellence and innovation, bringing the exhibition industry together for an unforgettable evening
By Mark Hebert, Exhibition City News
On December 15, the exhibition community gathered in Los Angeles for the ESCA 2024 Winter Celebration and Awards Ceremony. The venue was decorated in a 1950s Old Hollywood style as attendees walked down a glittering red carpet showcasing dazzling gowns, sharp suits and timeless glamor. The event blends on-screen excitement with heartfelt moments of reflection and celebration.
The red carpet provides industry professionals with the opportunity to reconnect and showcase their style. Robert Devine, Heritage’s senior vice president of strategic initiatives, summed up the sentiment perfectly: “I’m always excited to meet my colleagues. It’s a crazy business and I love it. Eight years in and I love it.”
In Memory of Todd Iverson
One of the most poignant moments of the evening came during the opening ceremony, when ESCA paid tribute to the late Todd Iverson, a respected industry leader whose work in the fight against early-onset Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease He died in October after battling dementia. Todd has a 35-year career with Brede Exposition Services, GES Exposition Services and Fern Expo & Event Services. Known for his tireless energy and dedication, Todd also served as ESCA President in 1999.
Reflecting on Todd’s legacy, lifelong friend and GES colleague Bob Ryley said, “Todd was the ‘T’ in trade shows.” This tribute reflects Todd’s unparalleled devotion to the industry passion and his dedication to his clients and colleagues. His legacy continues to inspire his family, including his father, Ralph, and brother, Chad, who are leaders in the trade show industry.
Awards
The awards ceremony honors the best in the industry, recognizing innovation, service and excellence in multiple categories:
- Chuck Guzzard – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jim Kelly – President’s Award
- Taylor Frians – Outgoing President’s Award
- Alyssa Konareski – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Ben Cramer – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Catherine Baizer – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Robert Annable – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
- bobby lee – Humanitarian Award
- American Aluvision – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
- August Robotics – Innovation Award
- baby boomer business – Outstanding Service and Volunteerism Award
Outgoing board members, including Joanne Sanders, Pat Putzer, Steve Magos, Tim Hefferman and Damon Ross, were also recognized for their contributions.
Lifetime Achievement Award
In his acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chuck Gruzad expressed heartfelt gratitude for his faith, his wife Margaret, and their two daughters Maddie and Grace, who were all in attendance.
“Maddie and Grace, you are my pride and joy and the reason I strive to be my best every day. You are beautiful inside and out and I am so proud to be your dad.
To my wonderful wife Margaret, thank you for your unconditional love, support, and the countless sacrifices you have made to help me get to this point. You have been my biggest supporters and my rock, and I am so grateful for your belief in me and for sharing this incredible journey over the past 28 years.
Margaret, Maddie and Grace – you are everything to me and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you for being here tonight. “
Grouzard has 36 years of experience in the exhibition industry and currently serves as GES’ executive vice president of business development, creative and design, where he is responsible for leading strategic growth, market expansion and innovative customer partnerships. In addition to their professional success, Chuck and Margaret worked to provide housing and food for the homeless, including hosting Thanksgiving dinners in the community. Their commitment to service reflects the values that guide his professional and personal life.
“I’m so grateful to the people who have supported me on this journey,” he said. “Their love, belief and encouragement are the foundation of everything I have accomplished. This industry thrives on relationships and collaboration, and I am honored to be part of a community that continues to inspire me to give back.”
Grouzard’s influence extends far beyond GES. He has served as president of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), president of the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), and is the incoming chair of the IAEE’s 2025 Board of Directors. IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan said of his impact, “Chuck’s leadership and ability to spark innovation have made him a transformative force in the industry.” His passion for giving back extends beyond his leadership roles. , is also reflected in his commitment to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals and fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth across the exhibition industry.
glamor night
Live jazz music by Big Lucky elevated the evening’s atmosphere and set the tone for an Old Hollywood style celebration. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, which included a sumptuous seafood menu of lobster and steak, as well as a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres. The atmosphere was high with an open bar where attendees came together to toast the best in the industry.
The 2024 ESCA Winter Celebration and Awards Ceremony is not just about recognition, it is also a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the industry. From red carpet glamor to emotional tributes and celebrations of excellence, the evening captured the heart of the booming world of trade shows.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.